Are you embarrassed about how much you sweat?

We all sweat, whether it’s during our morning run or just sitting outside on a hot day. But when does sweating become something to actually be concerned about? If you find yourself needing to bring multiple shirts to work or you have felt so embarrassed by excessive sweating that you’ve avoided a date or social engagement, you could be dealing with hyperhidrosis. If so, our Honolulu, HI, dermatologists Dr. Kevin Dawson, Dr. Douglas Chun, and Dr. Sarah Grekin can help.

What are the symptoms of hyperhidrosis?

Someone may have hyperhidrosis if they sweat profusely even when they aren’t physically exerting themselves or regardless of the temperature. People with hyperhidrosis will sweat in just about any environment—they may be simply sitting at their desk—but experience excessive sweating typically in and around the underarms, feet, and palms of the hands.

Why does hyperhidrosis happen?

While doctors still don’t know what causes this condition there are certain preexisting conditions and issues that can increase your risk for developing hyperhidrosis. Our Honolulu, HI, dermatologists most often see hyperhidrosis in those with thyroid conditions, nervous system disorders, and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

How is hyperhidrosis treated?

Think you’re dealing with hyperhidrosis? If you are dealing with intense sweating that makes you uncomfortable or embarrassed or leaves you with cracked and chapped skin, then you’ll want to consult with our dermatologists here in Honolulu, HI, to find out if you have hyperhidrosis and to figure out how to best treat it. The type of treatment you receive will depend on certain factors such as your health and age. Some treatment options include,

• Lifestyle changes: wearing breathable shoes that keep feet dry and clothes with lightweight material that wick away moisture
• Prescription antiperspirants: contains a high concentration of aluminum chloride (much higher than what you can get with regular drugstore antiperspirants)
• Oral medication: typically anticholinergics
• Botox: along with treating wrinkles, Botox has also been FDA approved to treat excessive sweating caused by hyperhidrosis
• Surgery: this isn’t typically recommended unless the patient has exhausted all other nonsurgical treatment options and still hasn’t experienced relief

If hyperhidrosis is caused by underlying conditions such as low blood sugar or thyroid issues, then your doctor will determine the best way to treat those conditions in order to improve your symptoms. It’s important that you talk to us about your different treatment options before deciding.

Don’t let excessive sweating keep you from living life. The team at Dawson Dermatology in Honolulu, HI, can help. Call us today at (808) 599-3780 to schedule an evaluation.